NewzIntel.com

Category: Justice

  • MIL-OSI Security: Albuquerque Man Sentenced in Federal Firearms Case Adopted from Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A previously convicted felon has been sentenced to 84 months in prison after violently assaulting his pregnant partner and threatening her with a loaded rifle during a domestic incident.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court records, on August 13, 2023, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a violent domestic assault at a residence in the South Valley. The victim, who was six months pregnant, reported that Marlando Luis Martinez, 36, had physically assaulted her throughout the night, including punching her, striking her with a whip, choking her multiple times to near unconsciousness, and threatening her with an AR-15 rifle, which he discharged near her face. Deputies observed visible injuries on the victim, including welts, bruising, and a cut lip.

    The victim recounted to responding officers that Martinez threatened to kill her and her unborn child if she contacted law enforcement. After Martinez fell asleep, the victim escaped and sought help from a neighbor. Deputies transported her to safety and documented her injuries. A subsequent search of the residence uncovered multiple firearms, ammunition, and evidence corroborating the victim’s account, including a rifle with a round in the chamber and a bullet hole in the headboard.

    The loaded rifle, ammunition and extended magazine
    Second rifle, ammunition and extended magazine

    Martinez was apprehended later that day with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force. He was arrested without incident and federally charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, having previously been convicted of aggravated battery against a household member.

    Upon his release from prison, Martinez will be subject to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter Haynes is prosecuting this case as part of an agreement with the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

    Through the agreement, Assistant District Attorneys are designated Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) in the United States Attorney’s Office. The SAUSA from the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office screens felony criminal complaints filed in Bernalillo County for federal criminal offenses, prioritizing federal charges against those who drive violence in the Albuquerque metropolitan area. Since 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office has reviewed almost 3,000 cases and has charged more than 300 criminal cases pursuant to this program.

    The United States Attorney’s Office has similar agreements with the New Mexico Department of Justice and the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office and plans to expand the program throughout the state. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Reaches Settlement with California Towing Company for Illegally Auctioning a Navy Lieutenant’s Car While He Was Deployed at Sea

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Note: View settlement here.

    The Justice Department today announced that it reached an agreement with California towing company Tony’s Auto Center to resolve allegations that it illegally auctioned a deployed Navy Lieutenant’s car, in violation of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Under the settlement agreement, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jonathan Liongson will receive $7,500 in damages. The United States will also receive a $2,000 civil penalty, and Tony’s Auto Center must implement new policies to prevent future violations of the SCRA.

    According to the United States’ complaint, in November 2022, before leaving for deployment aboard the USS Bunker Hill, Lieutenant Liongson placed personal items in his 2011 Mazda 6 and parked it at a friend’s house. While he was deployed at sea, Tony’s Auto Center towed the car and, about two months later, sold it at auction without first obtaining a court order, as is required by the SCRA.

    “Members of our armed forces should not have to worry about their cars being auctioned off while they are deployed on missions defending our freedoms, liberties, and rights,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “This settlement should send a strong message to other towing companies that they should not take advantage of our servicemembers while they are keeping Americans safe.”

    “The SCRA protects the rights of the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, which allows them to devote their full attention to defending our country,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. “While Lieutenant Liongson was at sea, he understood that his ship’s mission and the duration of their deployment could change at any moment. He accepted that reality in the fulfillment of his solemn oath. In turn, the SCRA provides grace and understanding about certain personal affairs. Lieutenant Liongson’s car should not have been auctioned off in his absence. We hope this settlement encourages all towing companies to review and improve their policies and ensure that the rights of all servicemembers are honored and respected.”

    The SCRA is a federal law that provides a variety of financial and housing protections to members of the U.S. military. The law prohibits a towing company from auctioning off a vehicle owned by a servicemember unless it first obtains an order from a court allowing it to do so.

    Servicemembers and their dependents who believe their SCRA rights have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/.

    The Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for over 147,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. Additional information on the Department’s enforcement of the SCRA and other laws protecting servicemembers is available at www.servicemembers.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Kansas City Detective Describes Role of FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    Vince Kingston, a detective of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department and a task force officer on the FBI Kansas City Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), describes the role of the JTTF.

    More at: https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/celebrating-45-years-of-fbi-joint-terrorism-task-forces
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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tqHVmnbC4g

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Retired Detective Barry Berglund Describes Role of FBI Kansas City JTTF

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) (video statements)

    Barry Berglund, a retired detective of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and a task force officer on the FBI Kansas City Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), describes the role of the JTTF.

    More at: https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/celebrating-45-years-of-fbi-joint-terrorism-task-forces
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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ConL7d3Ukg8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Online Marketplace Operator Charged with Trafficking Deadly Synthetic Opioids Stronger Than Fentanyl

    Source: United States Department of Justice

    Today, an indictment was unsealed in the District of Columbia charging eWorldTrade LLC (eWorldTrade), a U.S. company, with conspiracy to distribute synthetic opioids for unlawful importation into the United States. Law enforcement authorities also seized eWorldTrade’s website domain, which was allegedly used to operate an online business-to-business marketplace that facilitated the distribution of synthetic opioids such as isotonitazene and carfentanyl, both significantly more potent than fentanyl.

    According to the indictment, from March 2024 through March 2025, eWorldTrade conspired with others to distribute isotonitazene, a Schedule I controlled substance, and carfentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, knowing that the controlled substances would be imported into the United States.

    eWorldTrade is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances for unlawful importation into the United States. If convicted, the company faces a maximum fine of $50,000,000.

    On the same day of the unsealing of the indictment, law enforcement authorities seized eWorldTrade’s website and shut down its operation. The website now displays the following warning messages to the public.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville Office made the announcement.

    The HSI Knoxville Office, in partnership with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Chattanooga Office, investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Jayce Born of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section is prosecuting the case. Former Trial Attorney Ann Daniels and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee provided valuable support.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Man Charged with Hobbs Act Robbery and Firearm Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Hobbs Act robbery and violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The three-count Indictment named Yamin A. Harris, 31, as the sole defendant.

    According to the Indictment, on December 29, 2024, Harris committed a Hobbs Act robbery at a Monroeville, Pennsylvania, fast food restaurant, carrying and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of the robbery, and unlawfully possessing that firearm as a previously convicted felon. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

    The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Monroeville Police Department, and Pitcairn Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: District Man Indicted for Illegal Firearm Possession Following Arrest in Northeast D.C.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – Antowan Tyrone Hagans, 30, of Washington, D.C., has been indicted on a federal firearm charge as part of the Make D.C. Safe Again initiative. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Make D.C. Safe Again is a public safety initiative led by U.S. Attorney Martin aimed at reducing violent crime in the District by prioritizing federal firearms violations, seeking tougher penalties, and pursuing detention for firearms offenders.

                Hagans is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

                According to court documents, on March 27, 2025, MPD officers encountered Hagans in a high-crime area of the Sixth District. As officers approached, Hagans fled into an apartment building. During the pursuit, he fell in a stairwell, and a loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol fell to the ground during the struggle with officers

                Hagans was arrested at the scene. He is prohibited from possessing firearms due to two prior felony convictions, including robbery while armed and unlawful possession of a firearm.

                The case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Division and the Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Martin is prosecuting the case.

                An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan Man Charged with Illegal Re-entry into U.S.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of Guatemala has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry of a removed alien, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The one-count Indictment named Juan Manuel Secaida, 35, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, on April 1, 2025, Secaida was found in western Pennsylvania after having been removed from the United States in January 2020.

    The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Coraopolis Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal alien sentenced in multimillion-dollar elder fraud ring

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HOUSTON – The second ringleader in an international fraud scheme victimizing the elderly has been ordered to prison, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX).

    Hardik Jayantilal Patel, 37, illegally resided in Lexington, Kentucky. He pleaded guilty Dec. 1, 2023.

    U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen has now sentenced Patel to serve 46 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Patel will also pay a combined $3,203,478 in restitution to 85 identified victims. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hanen noted the large number of victims and the significant harm Patel and his conspirators caused. Not a U.S. citizen, Patel is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence.

    “We have an obligation to protect our seniors from the predations of scammers,” said Ganjei. “SDTX will tirelessly pursue those that seek to profit by swindling the elderly.”

    From March through November 2019, Patel led a team of domestic money mules aka “runners.” They laundered money tied to telemarketing fraud schemes originating from call centers in India. Most victims were elderly.

    Scammers pretended to work for the U.S. government and claimed the victims were under investigation. They claimed the only way to clear their name was to send cash by mail. Runners in the United States would then pick up the packages and launder the cash.

    At least three runners worked under Patel in 2019. He also collaborated with an associate, Sohil Usmangani Vahora, who managed his own team of four runners. Together, they coordinated efforts to launder fraud proceeds.

    Runners under both Patel and Vahora picked up hundreds of packages between 2019 and 2020 nationwide. These packages contained millions of dollars in cash that victims in multiple states had sent.

    Patel was the last of seven to be sentenced in related cases in the SDTX. Vahora, 40, Des Plaines, Illinois, received more than 15 years in prison and was ordered to pay over $3.5 million in restitution.

    Zaheen Malvi, 30, Heber Springs, Arkansas, initially worked as a runner in the scheme. He later assisted Vahora in managing two other individuals involved in the operation. He received a 54-month sentence and was ordered to pay more than $1.6 million in restitution.

    Dhirenkumar Patel, 33, Richmond, Kentucky, was a runner who worked for Patel. He was ordered to serve 18 months in prison and pay $225,221 in restitution to his victims.

    Three other runners received sentences ranging from 29-60 months.

    With the exception of Vahora, who was a legal permanent resident, Patel and his co-conspirators were all illegally in the country when they committed their crimes.

    Patel will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FBI, Kentucky State Police and police departments in Heber Springs, Arkansas, and Frankfort, Kentucky. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bauman and Kate Suh are prosecuting the case. 

    The SSA and its OIG consistently warns people of similar scams. Protect yourself! 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican Citizen Charged with Illegal Re-entry of Removed Alien

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A citizen of Mexico has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of illegal re-entry of a removed alien, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The one-count Indictment named Daniel Alejandro Benzor Mora, 31, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, on March 19, 2025, Benzor Mora was found in western Pennsylvania after having been removed from the United States on or about January 3, 2024.

    The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

    Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.

    This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Pennsylvania Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: E.O. 14202 Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias Inter-Agency Task Force Launch Meeting, Welcoming Remarks

    Source: United States Department of Justice (video statements)

    Attorney General Pamela Bondi, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division convened the Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias and provided welcoming remarks.

    Related: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/attorney-general-pamela-bondi-hosts-first-task-force-meeting-eradicate-anti-christian-bias

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAcvm0v-gnw

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former CIA Official Pleads Guilty to Acting as a Foreign Agent and Mishandling Classified Materials

    Source: US State of California

    Dale Britt Bendler, 68, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty today to, while being a public official at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), acting as a foreign agent required to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act and removing classified material, classified up to the SECRET//NOFORN level, from authorized locations without authority and with the intent to retain such material at an unauthorized location.

    As described in the plea agreement, starting in 2014, Bendler began working as a full-time contractor at the CIA with a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance. Before he was a CIA contractor, Bendler spent over 30 years working for the CIA as an intelligence officer and retired as a member of the Senior Intelligence Service in 2014. Beginning in July 2017 and continuing through at least July 2020, while a full-time CIA contractor and TS/SCI clearance holder, Bendler worked with a U.S. lobbying firm and engaged in unauthorized and hidden lobbying and public relations activities on behalf of foreign national clients. As described in the plea agreement, Bendler’s undisclosed lobbying activities included an attempt to use his position and access at the CIA to influence a foreign government’s embezzlement investigation of one of Bendler’s foreign national clients and a separate attempt to use his position and access at the CIA to influence the U.S. government’s decision as to whether to grant a U.S. visa to another of Bendler’s clients, who was alleged to be associated with terrorism financing. In exchange for his unauthorized outside activities, Bendler was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars.

    During the course of Bendler’s unauthorized lobbying and public relations activities, Bendler also abused his access to CIA resources and personnel by, among other things, searching classified CIA systems for any information related to his private lobbying clients, improperly storing and disclosing non-public, sensitive, and classified U.S. government information to people not authorized to receive such information, and lying to the CIA and the FBI about his status as a foreign agent and his unauthorized lobbying and public relations activities. The CIA terminated Bendler’s contract and access in September 2020.

    In addition to pleading guilty, Bendler consented to the forfeiture of $85,000. Bendler faces a maximum penalty of seven years in prison – two years for acting as a foreign agent while being a public official and five years for mishandling classified material. Bendler is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16.

    Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division and Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI’s Washington Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Adam P. Barry and Senior Trial Attorney Heather M. Schmidt of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon D. Kromberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case. Chief Jennifer Kennedy Gellie of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section provided substantial assistance in this investigation in her prior role as a trial attorney. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former CIA Official Pleads Guilty to Acting as a Foreign Agent and Mishandling Classified Materials

    Source: United States Attorneys General 7

    Dale Britt Bendler, 68, of Miami, Florida, pleaded guilty today to, while being a public official at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), acting as a foreign agent required to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act and removing classified material, classified up to the SECRET//NOFORN level, from authorized locations without authority and with the intent to retain such material at an unauthorized location.

    As described in the plea agreement, starting in 2014, Bendler began working as a full-time contractor at the CIA with a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance. Before he was a CIA contractor, Bendler spent over 30 years working for the CIA as an intelligence officer and retired as a member of the Senior Intelligence Service in 2014. Beginning in July 2017 and continuing through at least July 2020, while a full-time CIA contractor and TS/SCI clearance holder, Bendler worked with a U.S. lobbying firm and engaged in unauthorized and hidden lobbying and public relations activities on behalf of foreign national clients. As described in the plea agreement, Bendler’s undisclosed lobbying activities included an attempt to use his position and access at the CIA to influence a foreign government’s embezzlement investigation of one of Bendler’s foreign national clients and a separate attempt to use his position and access at the CIA to influence the U.S. government’s decision as to whether to grant a U.S. visa to another of Bendler’s clients, who was alleged to be associated with terrorism financing. In exchange for his unauthorized outside activities, Bendler was paid hundreds of thousands of dollars.

    During the course of Bendler’s unauthorized lobbying and public relations activities, Bendler also abused his access to CIA resources and personnel by, among other things, searching classified CIA systems for any information related to his private lobbying clients, improperly storing and disclosing non-public, sensitive, and classified U.S. government information to people not authorized to receive such information, and lying to the CIA and the FBI about his status as a foreign agent and his unauthorized lobbying and public relations activities. The CIA terminated Bendler’s contract and access in September 2020.

    In addition to pleading guilty, Bendler consented to the forfeiture of $85,000. Bendler faces a maximum penalty of seven years in prison – two years for acting as a foreign agent while being a public official and five years for mishandling classified material. Bendler is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16.

    Sue Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia, Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division and Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI’s Washington Field Office investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Adam P. Barry and Senior Trial Attorney Heather M. Schmidt of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon D. Kromberg of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case. Chief Jennifer Kennedy Gellie of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section provided substantial assistance in this investigation in her prior role as a trial attorney. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Building a cultural bridge

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Hong Kong has been hosting the two-day Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 this week, under the theme “Connect, Create, Engage: Bridging Cultures for All.” Cultural ministers and senior officials from 17 countries participated in the forum’s key session, the Ministerial Panel, held yesterday.

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law gave an opening address at the session, while Vice Minister of Culture & Tourism Gao Zheng also delivered a speech.

    Under Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau highlighted the forum’s significance since its launch in 2003, describing it as a vital platform for cultural interaction. He noted that this year marks a record high in terms of participating regions.

    “For the first time in the forum’s history, we have added a plus sign to the 2025 edition, by inviting countries beyond Asia to participate,” he said. “We hope that with broader participation, we can gain more insights, not only from Asian economies but also from other parts of the world.”

    Mr Lau also outlined the forum’s role in promoting global cultural developments and exploring opportunities for collaboration, adding that guided tours were arranged for delegates to experience Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural landscape.

    “We hope they can become ambassadors for promoting the culture of Hong Kong, and also China, to the rest of the world.”

    One of the participants, Minister of Culture of the Slovak Republic Martina Šimkovičová, was optimistic about forging new connections while in Hong Kong.

    “My expectation is to see your culture, which is completely different from the culture of Slovakia, and I would like to show Slovak culture.”

    Ms Šimkovičová also invited Hong Kong residents to visit her country for longer stays to explore its historical buildings and rich nature.

    “Hong Kong’s culture is exciting for me. It is a mix of old and new together, and I love the energy of your arts and the beauty of your heritage,” she added. “It shows deep respect for tradition, which is very important to me.”

    Dongguan Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism & Sports Deputy Director Wu Shaowen expressed hope for leveraging the strong relationship between Dongguan and Hong Kong to keep up with global cultural developments.

    Acting Chief Executive Chan Kwok-ki hosted a gala dinner for the delegates, who enjoyed performances by local musicians showcasing a blend of Chinese and Western traditional and contemporary music, offering a glimpse into Hong Kong’s vibrant and diverse arts and culture scene.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dominican Man Who Illegally Entered the U.S. After Multiple Prior Deportations Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant Arrested Several Times on Local Charges, Including Assault, Gun Possession

    PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Melvin Gutierrez-Almonte, 42, a Dominican national unlawfully residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced this morning by United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Leeson Jr. to 15 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.

    Gutierrez-Almonte was charged by indictment in September of last year and pleaded guilty to the charge against him in January. He admitted to illegally entering the United States in April 2023, crossing from Mexico into Arizona.

    According to immigration records, the defendant had been removed from the United States on four prior occasions — on or about March 1, 2011, September 27, 2016, March 20, 2018, and September 1, 2020 — and had not sought permission to reenter. He has three previous illegal reentry convictions, all in the District of Puerto Rico.

    As detailed in court filings, on May 18, 2024, Gutierrez-Almonte was arrested by West New York Township Police in Hudson County, New Jersey, and charged with simple assault and receiving stolen property. The case remains active and there is currently a detainer.

    Then, on July 10, 2024, Gutierrez-Almonte was arrested by Philadelphia Police and charged under the name “Conjeo Almonet” with aggravated assault, possession of an instrument of a crime, and simple assault.

    The next day, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials received a biometric notification of the Philadelphia arrest.

    Gutierrez-Almonte was subsequently charged by federal criminal complaint with illegal reentry, and on September 3, 2024, an ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officer arrested him, following the defendant’s release from Philadelphia custody.

    “Melvin Gutierrez-Almonte is a serial violator of our country’s sovereignty. He has entered the United States illegally and been removed multiple times already,” U.S. Attorney Metcalf said. “Not only has he flouted our immigration laws, he has also been arrested several times for assault, gun possession, and more. He is a great example of how certain immigrants repeatedly disrespect our laws. Anyone who wants to come to this country must do so legally, and anyone who wants to stay must honor the obligations of our laws.”

    “Ensuring the safety of our communities is at the core of our mission at ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. This individual’s repeated unlawful reentry and criminal activity posed a significant risk to public safety,” said ICE ERO Philadelphia Acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. “By apprehending, prosecuting, and removing those who threaten our neighborhoods, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring the well-being of law-abiding residents. We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to uphold our nation’s immigration laws and keep our communities safe.”

    The case was investigated by ICE ERO and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rosalynda M. Michetti.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican national caught mid-burglary sentenced for immigration violation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas –A Mexican national has been sentenced for illegally reentering the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Heladio Ruchon Rocha-Tellez, 31, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after removal and was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 22, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, on December 19, 2023, local law enforcement responded to a burglary in progress at a Beaumont laundry mat.  When officers arrived, they encountered Rocha-Tellez hiding behind the counter of the laundry mat with a large amount of cash hanging out of his pocket.  A check of immigration records revealed that Rocha-Tellez was a Mexican national who had been previously removed from the United States in 2015 and twice in 2022.

    In addition to the immigration charges, Rocha-Tellez was convicted of a state burglary charge in Jefferson County court and sentenced to 12 months in prison on November 19, 2024.  Judge Crone ordered that the sentences run consecutively, and Rocha-Tellez will begin his federal prison sentence after completing his state sentence. 

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy L. Coleman with the cooperation of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vault Agrees to Pay $8 Million to Settle Allegations of Billing False Claims to the COVID-19 Uninsured Program for Patients with Health Insurance

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – Vault Medical Services, P.A. and Vault Medical Services of New Jersey, P.C. (collectively “Vault”), have agreed to pay the United States $8 million to resolve allegations that Vault violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of false claims to the Health Resources & Services Administration COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement to Health Care Providers and Facilities for Testing, Treatment, and Vaccine Administration for the Uninsured Program (the “Uninsured Program”) for patients who had health insurance, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Between approximately May 2020 and April 2022, the Uninsured Program reimbursed eligible providers for COVID-19 tests, testing-related items and services, treatment, and vaccines performed on uninsured individuals.  During the public health emergency, Vault provided various COVID-19 related services to patients across the country, including specimen collection services and vaccine administration.  Vault provided these services via telehealth and at in-person testing sites, and specimens were sent to laboratories for processing.  The settlement announced resolves allegations that Vault knowingly submitted or caused the submission of claims for these services to the Uninsured Program for patients who had active health insurance.

    Specifically, the United States alleges Vault was aware of data integrity issues with patient information collected at the point of service but failed to substantively address those issues, and did not ensure the collection of complete patient information, including demographic and insurance information. The United States further alleges that Vault failed to properly confirm whether certain patients had health insurance coverage, and disregarded insurance information for individuals for whom Vault had valid insurance information on file, including confirmation through an insurance verification process, before submitting claims to the Uninsured Program.

    “The Uninsured Program provided critical support for testing and treatment for uninsured Americans during the height of the pandemic. Our office will not tolerate the alleged fraud, abuse, and waste of these funds.”

    – U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

    “Individuals and entities that participate in the federal healthcare system are required by law to preserve the integrity of program funds,” stated Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “The settlement in this case involves a provider that knowingly sought reimbursement for federal funds to which they were not entitled, and by doing so jeopardized the provision of services for the uninsured.”

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, with assistance from HHS-OIG.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kruti Dharia of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit and Trial Attorneys Lindsay DeFrancesco, Elizabeth J. Kappakas, and James Nealon in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section).

    The government’s pursuit of these matters illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

                                                                                                                        ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hudson County Man Sentenced to 26 Years in Prison for Role in Four Robberies and Two Shootings in Jersey City, New Jersey

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Hudson County man was sentenced today for his role in four robberies and two shootings in Jersey City, New Jersey, which took place the same night, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced today.

    Rodney Williams, 33, of Jersey City, New Jersey pleaded guilty in December 2024 before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Newark federal court to an Indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, conspiracy to use and carry a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, Hobbs Act robbery, attempted Hobbs Act robbery, using and carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Williams to 5 years of supervised release.  Williams’ co-defendant, Siobhan Chandler, was sentenced on April 25, 2024 to 12 years’ imprisonment followed by 5 years’ supervised release for her role.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    On the evening of November 14, 2021, Williams and Chandler committed multiple armed robberies and two shootings in Jersey City.  The criminal activity began when Williams, acting alone, robbed a store while he pointed his gun at the clerk and demanded money.  The clerk handed money to Williams who then fled.

    A short time later, Williams, now with Chandler, robbed a gas station, where Williams pointed his gun at two attendants and demanded money.  When the attendants did not immediately comply, Williams shot one of the attendants in the chest.  Williams and Chandler then fled.

    Williams and Chandler later entered another store, and Williams again pointed his gun at a clerk and demanded money.  The clerk handed money to Williams and he and Chandler fled.

    Williams and Chandler then entered a nearby restaurant, and Williams again pointed his gun at the cashier and demanded money.  When the cashier did not immediately comply, Williams shot the cashier in the chest.  The cashier then handed money to Williams, after which Williams and Chandler fled.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited officers of the Jersey City Police Department, under the direction of Acting Chief Kearns, and the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office with the investigation leading to today’s sentence.  She also thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shontae D. Gray and Eli Jacobs of the Criminal Division in Newark.

                                                                           ###

    Defense counsel: John C. Whipple, Esq. and Adam M. Elewa, Esq. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Larsen Statement on Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

    Rep. Larsen Statement on Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks

    Washington, April 23, 2025

    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement on ongoing peace talks between Ukraine and Russia:

    “In word and in action, the U.S. must continue to stand up for the young democracy in Ukraine. I don’t care what President Trump says – Putin started this war and the crisis is not over until Ukraine’s borders are restored and Ukrainians have the freedom to choose their own leaders and future. I will continue to advocate for aid to Ukraine in its fight against Putin’s war of aggression, and continue to welcome and support Ukrainian families in Northwest Washington and across the U.S.

    “The Trump administration’s offer to recognize Crimea as Russian territory is just the latest example of Trump rolling over for Putin. Rewarding Russia for invading a neighbor by providing formal recognition and sanctions relief invites further aggression.

    “I commend President Zelenskyy for standing up against Russian aggression and continuing to fight for a free Ukraine. American interests are clear – standing with our allies and partners, not with Russia.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump Personally Funding 100ft Flag Poles for Both Sides of White House

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    COMING SOON to the North and South Lawn of the White House: Two 100ft flag poles—courtesy of President Trump.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXAap-Cwems

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cultural co-operation panel a success

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum+ 2025 successfully concluded today, gathering cultural ministers and senior officials from a record-high 17 countries to exchange views on strategies in promoting arts and cultural development.

    Five of the countries, including Belt & Road countries outside of Asia, for the first time, partcipated in the forum organised by the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau, fully demonstrating Hong Kong’s role as a super-connector and East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange.

    This morning, participating delegations at the forum joined the plenary session to discuss the topics “From Connect to Create: Platform for Synergy” and “From Create to Engage: Arts for Everyone”.

    With the experience sharing and real case studies of local speakers and delegations, participants were encouraged to discuss how the establishment of platforms and promotion of community engagement facilitate the development of the arts and cultural scene and ecology, the benefits of wider public engagement in arts and cultural activities, as well as the possible directions and measures to make this happen.

    At the panel yesterday, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law, and Vice Minister of Culture & Tourism Gao Zheng shared their vision, policies and strategic directions on the ways to promote development of arts, culture and creative industries, nurture talent for the industries, drive innovative collaborations as well as advocate cultural integrations.

    Over 20 bilateral meetings were conducted at the forum. Miss Law, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Vivian Sum, and Under Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau held bilateral meetings on cultural co-operation with representatives from participating countries.

    The delegations visited the Hong Kong Palace Museum at the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) this afternoon to gain first-hand knowledge of the WKCD’s latest developments and toured the special exhibition “The Forbidden City & The Palace of Versailles: China-France Cultural Encounters in the 17th & 18th Centuries”.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Companies and President Operating Oregon Wood Treatment Facility to Pay $1.5M in Criminal Fines for Hazardous Waste and Air Pollution Charges

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    A federal judge in Oregon yesterday sentenced the two companies responsible for the operation of the J.H. Baxter wood treatment facility in Eugene, Oregon, and their president, for hazardous waste and Clean Air Act violations. Collectively, they were ordered to pay a total of $1.5 million in criminal fines. In addition, the court ordered the companies to serve five years of probation and the companies’ president, Georgia Baxter-Krause, of Deschutes, Oregon, to serve 90 days in prison and one year of supervised release.

    Both companies — J.H. Baxter & Co. Inc. and J.H. Baxter & Co., A California Limited Partnership (collectively J.H. Baxter) — previously pleaded guilty to charges of illegally treating hazardous waste and knowingly violating the Clean Air Act’s regulations for hazardous air pollutants. Georgia Baxter-Krause previously pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal statute governing hazardous waste management.

    “On more than 100 different days, J.H. Baxter knowingly and illegally boiled off hazardous waste, emitting the discharge into the air,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “J.H. Baxter’s President, Georgia Baxter-Krause, then made false statements about the unlawful practice. Protecting the public’s health is among our highest priorities, and we will prosecute those who violate environmental laws.”

    “The J.H. Baxter companies knowingly mishandled hazardous waste and repeatedly violated the Clean Air Act by venting hazardous substances directly into the air, right across the street from people’s homes. The company president then lied to cover up these crimes,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Jeffrey Hall for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s sentencing highlights the significant penalties that Congress has provided for illegally treating or disposing of hazardous waste as well as the Agency’s continued efforts to ensure that Americans have clean air, land, and water.”

    “The defendant companies boiled hazardous waste into our community’s air instead of properly dealing with it and Georgia Baxter-Krause lied when confronted about it,” said Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the Eugene and Medford Branches of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute those who put Oregonians at risk in violation of federal law.”

    According to court documents, J.H. Baxter used hazardous chemicals to treat and preserve wood at its Eugene facility. The wastewater from the wood preserving processes was hazardous waste.

    To properly treat wastewater from its wood treatment process, J.H. Baxter operated a legal wastewater treatment unit to treat and evaporate the waste. For years, however, when J.H. Baxter had too much water on site, including process wastewater and precipitation, J.H. Baxter’s employees at the facility would transfer hazardous process wastewater to an available wood treatment retort to “boil it off,” greatly reducing its volume. J.H. Baxter would then remove the remaining waste from the retort, label it as hazardous waste and ship it offsite for disposal.

    J.H. Baxter did not have a permit to treat its hazardous waste in this manner, as required by RCRA. Additionally, J.H. Baxter’s facility was subject to certain Clean Air Act emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants, which required it to minimize air pollution emissions. However, during the illegal treatment, employees were directed to open all vents on the retorts, allowing discharge to the surrounding air.

    After Oregon inspectors discovered this activity, they requested information about the companies’ practice of boiling off hazardous wastewater. On two separate occasions, Georgia Baxter-Krause gave false information in response, which included information about the dates the practice took place and which retorts were used.

    The investigation determined that Georgia Baxter-Krause knew J.H. Baxter maintained detailed daily production logs for each retort. From approximately January to October 2019, J.H. Baxter boiled off hazardous process wastewater in its wood treatment retorts on 136 known days. Georgia Baxter-Krause was also aware that during this time J.H. Baxter used four of its five retorts to boil off wastewater.

    This case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, EPAs Pacific Northwest (Region 10) office, and the Oregon State Police.

    This case was an Environmental Crimes Task Force (ECTF) investigation. ECTF is an initiative in the District of Oregon that identifies, investigates, and prosecutes significant environmental, public lands, and wildlife crimes. ECTF leverages the resources and effort of federal, state and local regulatory agencies and law enforcement to protect human health, safeguard natural resources and wildlife and hold violators accountable.

    Trial Attorneys Rachel Roberts and Stephen J. Foster of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren for the District of Oregon and EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Karla G. Perrin prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marathon County Woman Sentenced to Six Years for Conspiring to Traffic Methamphetamine

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Mercadys A. Perkins is the first defendant sentenced from trafficking organization

    MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Mercadys A. Perkins, 32, Weston, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 6 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Perkins pleaded guilty to this charge on January 21, 2025.

    In early 2024, investigators with the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force began investigating a group of individuals who were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in the Marathon County area. Perkins was identified as a distributor for the group.

    In March and April of 2024, Perkins sold methamphetamine three times to an informant, the largest sale being 230 grams. On April 16, 2024, task force officers executed a search warrant at Perkins’s residence in Weston. Officers found over 300 grams of methamphetamine, over $2,000 in cash, drug ledgers, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia during the search. Perkins later admitted to trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine.

    Further investigation revealed that between February 18, 2024, and April 12, 2024, a co-conspirator provided Perkins and another individual approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine and 6 ounces of cocaine intended for further distribution.

    At the time of these events, Perkins was serving a term of state probation for a methamphetamine possession conviction and was out on bond on four open state cases, three of which involved methamphetamine trafficking. Her state probation was revoked, and she was sentenced to 2 years in state prison, which she is currently serving. Judge Conley ordered the federal sentence to run concurrently with the remainder of Perkins’ state prison sentence.

    At sentencing, Judge Conley said Perkins participated with her co-defendants to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine in an around Marathon County. He said he weighed this serious conduct against some mitigating factors including her profound drug addiction.

    Three others were charged in connection with this drug trafficking conspiracy. Co-defendants Joshua Lake, Jessica Colby, and Dustin Brunker have all pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in the coming weeks.

    The charge against Perkins was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and the Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trahan Nominates Third District Students to Service Academies

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    Trahan Nominates Third District Students to Service Academies

    Lowell, April 23, 2025

    LOWELL, MA – Yesterday, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) hosted a ceremony to nominate students from across the Third District to United States Service Academies. The event was held at Dracut’s Harvey J. Gagnon Harmony Hall.
    “It’s one of my greatest honors and most serious responsibilities to nominate outstanding young men and women from our district to our nation’s service academies,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “These students are driven by something bigger than themselves – by a desire to serve, to lead, and to contribute to the common good. Their commitment to country and community inspires hope for the future of our armed forces and our nation.”
    This year, Trahan nominated students from across the Third District to the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Nominees include:
    West Point:

    Savannah Liles, Littleton, Littleton High School
    Gavin Datta, Acton, Acton-Boxborough Regional High School
    Harold Nerrow, Concord, Concord-Carlisle High School, Villanova University
    Samuel Richenburg, Haverhill, St. John’s Prep
    Tait O’Koniewski, Lawrence, Austin Preparatory School
    Hieu-Shawn Phan, Methuen, Northeastern University – Liberty Battalion Army ROTC
    Private First Class Pearl Kalungi, Lowell, United States Army
    Thomas Collins, Tyngsborough, Tyngsborough High School
    Raily Romano Hidalgo, Haverhill, Haverhill High School

    Naval Academy:

    Thomas Livens, Carlisle, Lawrence Academy
    Lincoln Green, Concord, Concord-Carlisle High School
    Yazmin Jenkins, Lowell, Greater Lowell Technical High School
    John James Rubera, Haverhill, Haverhill High School
    Eliot Hong, Billerica, Shawsheen Valley Technical High School

    Air Force Academy:

    Charles Stone, Concord, Concord-Carlisle High School
    Darro Sieu, Billerica, Billerica Memorial High School

    Merchant Marine Academy:

    Gunnar Lyons, Concord, Concord-Carlisle High School

    The student nominees were interviewed and recommended by volunteer members of Trahan’s Service Academy Board, which is composed of academy alumni, veterans, and community leaders. Current board members include:

    Pat Wojtas: A United States Air Force veteran, Pat was the first woman in Massachusetts to be commissioned to the Air Force through the ROTC program at UMass Amherst. She is currently a member of the Chelmsford Select Board.
    Leanne Collazo: A retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and West Point graduate, Suzanne was a UH-60 pilot and Battalion Commander.
    John Moses: A United States Army veteran, John has been an active member of the Afghan Evac community since the start of evacuation in August 2021. He is currently a member of the Chelmsford School Committee.
    Harold Naughton Jr.: A Major in the United States Army Reserve, Harold previously represented the 12th Worcester District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
    David Cote: A United States Marine Corps veteran and graduate of the United States Naval Academy, David leads The Summit Project, a veteran-focused nonprofit that sustains the memories of post-September 11th servicemembers who were killed in action. In 2011, he was named the Military Times Marine of the Year.
    Paulette Joyce: A retired Westford teacher, Paulette advocates for veterans following the passing of her husband, United States Army Lieutenant Colonel Fred Joyce.

    More information on the military service academy nomination process can be found HERE.
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Alert issued over fare scheme fraud

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Transport Department today alerted citizens to fraudulent websites claiming to be those of the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme which seek to deceive AlipayHK users under the scheme into providing personal data, including mobile phone numbers and credit card accounts.

    The addresses of such websites are http[:]//alipaiyhk[.]online/hk/Login.html, and https[:]//fet-woxx[.]online/hk.

    The department clarified that the fraudulent websites are in no way affiliated with the scheme. The case has been referred to Police for follow-up.

    It also reminded the public that AlipayHK’s mobile app is the only channel for checking and collecting the transport subsidy under AlipayHK. Moreover, enquiry services about the Public Transport Fare Subsidy Scheme in relation to AlipayHK are only provided via the AlipayHK mobile app and the designated hotline 3002 0905.

    The department further advised members of the public to stay alert when receiving unidentified messages and not visit suspicious websites or disclose any personal information.

    Anyone who has provided personal data to the websites concerned should contact Police.

    Call 3002 0905 for enquiries.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Companies and President Operating Oregon Wood Treatment Facility to Pay $1.5M in Criminal Fines for Hazardous Waste and Air Pollution Charges

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A federal judge in Oregon yesterday sentenced the two companies responsible for the operation of the J.H. Baxter wood treatment facility in Eugene, Oregon, and their president, for hazardous waste and Clean Air Act violations. Collectively, they were ordered to pay a total of $1.5 million in criminal fines. In addition, the court ordered the companies to serve five years of probation and the companies’ president, Georgia Baxter-Krause, of Deschutes, Oregon, to serve 90 days in prison and one year of supervised release.

    Both companies — J.H. Baxter & Co. Inc. and J.H. Baxter & Co., A California Limited Partnership (collectively J.H. Baxter) — previously pleaded guilty to charges of illegally treating hazardous waste and knowingly violating the Clean Air Act’s regulations for hazardous air pollutants. Georgia Baxter-Krause previously pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal statute governing hazardous waste management.

    “On more than 100 different days, J.H. Baxter knowingly and illegally boiled off hazardous waste, emitting the discharge into the air,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “J.H. Baxter’s President, Georgia Baxter-Krause, then made false statements about the unlawful practice. Protecting the public’s health is among our highest priorities, and we will prosecute those who violate environmental laws.”

    “The J.H. Baxter companies knowingly mishandled hazardous waste and repeatedly violated the Clean Air Act by venting hazardous substances directly into the air, right across the street from people’s homes. The company president then lied to cover up these crimes,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Jeffrey Hall for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s sentencing highlights the significant penalties that Congress has provided for illegally treating or disposing of hazardous waste as well as the Agency’s continued efforts to ensure that Americans have clean air, land, and water.”

    “The defendant companies boiled hazardous waste into our community’s air instead of properly dealing with it and Georgia Baxter-Krause lied when confronted about it,” said Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the Eugene and Medford Branches of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute those who put Oregonians at risk in violation of federal law.”

    According to court documents, J.H. Baxter used hazardous chemicals to treat and preserve wood at its Eugene facility. The wastewater from the wood preserving processes was hazardous waste.

    To properly treat wastewater from its wood treatment process, J.H. Baxter operated a legal wastewater treatment unit to treat and evaporate the waste. For years, however, when J.H. Baxter had too much water on site, including process wastewater and precipitation, J.H. Baxter’s employees at the facility would transfer hazardous process wastewater to an available wood treatment retort to “boil it off,” greatly reducing its volume. J.H. Baxter would then remove the remaining waste from the retort, label it as hazardous waste and ship it offsite for disposal.

    J.H. Baxter did not have a permit to treat its hazardous waste in this manner, as required by RCRA. Additionally, J.H. Baxter’s facility was subject to certain Clean Air Act emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants, which required it to minimize air pollution emissions. However, during the illegal treatment, employees were directed to open all vents on the retorts, allowing discharge to the surrounding air.

    After Oregon inspectors discovered this activity, they requested information about the companies’ practice of boiling off hazardous wastewater. On two separate occasions, Georgia Baxter-Krause gave false information in response, which included information about the dates the practice took place and which retorts were used.

    The investigation determined that Georgia Baxter-Krause knew J.H. Baxter maintained detailed daily production logs for each retort. From approximately January to October 2019, J.H. Baxter boiled off hazardous process wastewater in its wood treatment retorts on 136 known days. Georgia Baxter-Krause was also aware that during this time J.H. Baxter used four of its five retorts to boil off wastewater.

    This case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, EPAs Pacific Northwest (Region 10) office, and the Oregon State Police.

    This case was an Environmental Crimes Task Force (ECTF) investigation. ECTF is an initiative in the District of Oregon that identifies, investigates, and prosecutes significant environmental, public lands, and wildlife crimes. ECTF leverages the resources and effort of federal, state and local regulatory agencies and law enforcement to protect human health, safeguard natural resources and wildlife and hold violators accountable.

    Trial Attorneys Rachel Roberts and Stephen J. Foster of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren for the District of Oregon and EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Karla G. Perrin prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Serhat Gumrukcu Convicted of Murder-for-Hire

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that earlier today, after a five-week trial before Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss, a federal jury convicted Serhat Gumrukcu, 42, of Los Angeles, California, of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Gumrukcu remains in jail pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. Gumrukcu has been held in custody since his arrest in May of 2022.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Gumrukcu solicited the murder of Gregory Davis due to Davis’s threats of legal action related to Gumrukcu’s role in a failed oil commodities transaction.  Gumrukcu’s conviction for wire fraud stemmed from his fraudulent activities in relation to this failed oil deal.  Gumrukcu was particularly motivated to silence Davis due to his negotiations of a multi-million-dollar biotech merger involving Gumrukcu’s alleged discovery of a cure for HIV.  Gumrukcu relied on his close friend, Berk Eratay, to arrange through a second intermediary, Aaron Ethridge, the hiring of a hitman to kill Davis.  Ethridge recruited Jerry Banks for the hitman role, who on January 6, 2018, posed as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, and abducted Davis from his Danville, Vermont home.  On January 7, 2018, Davis’s deceased body was located in a snowbank a short distance from his home.  Investigators quickly discovered emails and messaging indicating the tension between Gumrukcu and Davis over the failed oil deal, resulting in Gumrukcu being interviewed twice by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Gumrukcu made false statements during each interview.  Cellphone location information, purchase records, banking documentation, emails, and messaging discovered during the investigation led to the identification of the four conspirators who caused the kidnapping and death of Davis.
      
    Based on the jury’s verdict, Gumrukcu faces a statutorily mandated sentence of life imprisonment.
     
    “Serhat Gumrukcu tried to hide his role in the murder of Greg Davis by paying one man to pay another man to pay the hitman, who shot and killed Greg Davis on a January night in Vermont. Uncovering Gumrukcu’s responsibility for this murder involved years of determined investigation by the men and women of Vermont’s United States Attorney’s Office, working closely with the FBI and the Vermont State Police,” stated Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher. “Holding Gumrukcu responsible for this murder also required the work of an extraordinarily talented trial team, consisting of Assistant United States Attorneys Paul Van de Graaf and Zachary Stendig, with tremendous courtroom support from Erin Thompson-Moran and Karen Arena-Leene.” Drescher also thanked the numerous law enforcement entities across the country who worked to identify Banks as the hired hitman, Ethridge and Eratay as middlemen, and Gumrukcu as the financier and benefactor of the murder scheme.

    FBI Special Agent in Charge, Craig L. Tremaroli stated, “Serhat Gumrukcu is a ruthless criminal whose greed drove him to order the death of his own business partner. Today, our thoughts are with Gregory Davis’s family. We are proud to have brought them justice and are incredibly grateful to our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office, and all our law enforcement partners across the country who assisted with this complex investigation.”

    “We join our federal partners in thanking the members of the jury for their careful deliberations and verdict convicting Serhat Gumrukcu of all charges,” said Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the Vermont State Police. “The jury’s determination of guilt reflects the diligent police work and the copious evidence collected during what would become one of the most sweeping, comprehensive and complex investigations in Vermont State Police history. Starting on the day more than seven years ago that Gregory Davis’s body was discovered on a snowy, remote road in Barnet, the state police, along with our investigative partners including the FBI, focused on identifying those responsible for his senseless killing and bringing them to justice. We hope that with today’s verdict, Mr. Davis’s family may be able to find a small measure of comfort knowing the person who bore ultimate responsibility has been held accountable.”

    At trial, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul J. Van de Graaf and Zachary Stendig represented the government, with supported from Karen Arena-Leene and Erin Thompson-Moran.  Gumrukcu was represented by Susan K. Marcus, Esq., and Ethan A. Balogh, Esq. 

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Indicted for Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Honduran national residing in Woburn, Mass. has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation.

    Saul Arce, 38, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Arce was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on March 20, 2025.

    According to the charging document, Arce was deported from the United States on May 15, 2013. It is alleged that sometime after his May 2013 removal, Arce illegally reentered the United States without permission.

    The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant will also be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ellwood City Resident Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Coercing Minor to Produce and Send Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court on April 22, 2025, to 252 months of incarceration, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, on his conviction of coercion and enticement of a minor, and production and receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Shayne A. Clapper, 31.

    According to information presented to the Court, in January 2023 through February 2023, Clapper initiated a sexual relationship with a minor known to him. Clapper provided the minor with a cell phone that he used to communicate with the minor, including requesting and receiving nude images from the minor. Clapper also induced the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct.

    Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Ellwood City Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Clapper.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Ohio Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Possessing Fentanyl and Cocaine with Intent to Distribute

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Officers called to investigate possible break-in instead found drugs with a street value of more than $30K

    CLEVELAND – Jamill H. McDonald, 43, of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams, after a federal jury found him guilty of possessing distribution quantities of fentanyl and cocaine.

    According to court documents, on Oct. 18, 2023, McDonald contacted law enforcement to report that someone was breaking into his apartment. When officers arrived, McDonald granted them entry into his residence. The defendant showed officers his cellphone to view the video footage from his external security camera. The videos showed a male attempting to break into McDonald’s apartment. Officers did not find any other occupants inside the defendant’s apartment. However, as officers continued to check the apartment for signs of intrusion, they found a package in one of the bedrooms which they suspected contained narcotics. The defendant was shown the package in question, and he then informed officers that he had never seen the package before and did not know what they contained. The defendant was subsequently detained by the officers.

    During a search warrant execution of the defendant’s residence, authorities confiscated a number of suspicious items from the kitchen. They found baggies filled with various amounts of either marijuana or white powder, and a scale with residue. In the defendant’s bedroom, officers recovered three cellphones, a box with two large packages containing white powder, and two men’s jackets. In one jacket, investigators found three additional baggies that contained suspected narcotic pills. In the other jacket investigators found $10,200 cash.

    Laboratory tests conducted on the suspected narcotics found in McDonald’s residence were confirmed to be fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin. Collectively, the seized drugs weighed in at approximately 1 kilogram of cocaine, and 310 grams of fentanyl and heroin and calculated to have a street value of more than $30,000.

    During the investigation, authorities discovered that McDonald had at least two prior felony convictions of either a crime of violence or controlled substance offenses. Because of the defendant’s significant criminal history, Judge Adams designated him as a career offender, therefore making him eligible to receive an enhanced penalty at sentencing.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and the Mayfield Heights Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine Makridis for the Northern District of Ohio.

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